Mohegans partner with digital office technology business

Mohegan — The Mohegan Tribe announced its latest nongaming business venture Monday, a partnership with a Long Island-based company that bills itself as a leader in the “supply, sale and service of office technology,” including printers, copiers and scanners.

According to a statement, the tribe, which owns Mohegan Sun, and Leslie Digital Imaging, of Jericho, N.Y., have formed a joint venture, KÔTA, a name derived from a Mohegan term meaning “close association.”

“The tribe carefully studied this market and is excited about the opportunity,” said Kevin Brown, the Mohegan tribal chairman. “LDI and the Mohegan Tribe share the same vision and business philosophy. … We have also secured a team of talented account executives and experienced technicians who share an enthusiasm for this business segment.”

KÔTA is the fourth nongaming venture announced by the tribe since May.

The Mohegans have reached separate franchising deals with two restaurant chains — Pennsylvania-based Arooga’s Grille House and Sports Bar and Denver-based Smashburger — and have acquired wood pellet production plants in Ohio and Indiana.

The tribe will be the majority owner of KÔTA.

Founded in 1999, Leslie Digital, also known as LDI Color ToolBox, has offices in New York, New Jersey and California, and has been seeking to acquire new clients, according to its website.

“KÔTA represents the long-envisioned opportunity for LDI to deliver its unique value proposition in digital office technology directly to the New England marketplace,” said Jerry Blaine, LDI’s founder and chief executive officer. “KÔTA will be able to execute on opportunities in government and commercial markets that are currently under served.”